Curved display apparatus with buffer

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus including a display panel, a buffer, and a curved buffer. The display panel includes a curved portion connected to a flat portion. The buffer overlaps the flat portion and having a first thickness. The curved buffer is on a same layer as the buffer and overlaps the curved portion, the curved buffer having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application based on pending application Ser. No.14/935,475, filed Nov. 9, 2015, the entire contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0033347, filed on Mar. 10, 2015,and entitled, “Display Apparatus and Portable Terminal,” is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display apparatusand a portable terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable terminals usually have display panels for displaying images. Awindow member may also be included for controlling the appearance of theterminal. The display panels and window members have traditionally had asquare or cube shape. Recently, curved display panels and window membershave been developed. Curved display panels and window members have beenshown to be especially vulnerable to damage from external impact.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includesa display panel including a curved portion connected to a flat portion;a buffer overlapping the flat portion and having a first thickness; anda curved buffer on a same layer as the buffer and overlapping the curvedportion, the curved buffer having a second thickness greater than thefirst thickness. The curved portion may include a first curved portionfacing a second curved portion, and the flat portion may be between thefirst and second curved portions.

The first curved portion may be substantially parallel to the secondcurved portion, and the curved buffer may include a first curved bufferoverlapping the first curved portion and a second curved bufferoverlapping the second curved portion. The first curved buffer mayoverlap the first curved portion and a first portion of the flat portionconnected to the first curved portion, and the second curved buffer mayoverlap the second curved portion and a second portion of the flatportion connected to the second curved portion. The second thickness maybe substantially one and half times greater than the first thickness.

The display apparatus may include a light blocking layer between thedisplay panel and the buffer and between the display panel and thecurved buffer. The display apparatus include a heat discharge layerfacing the display panel, wherein the buffer may be between the heatdischarge layer and the display panel. The heat discharge layer mayoverlap the flat portion and does not overlap the curved portion.

The heat discharge layer may have a third thickness, and a sum of thefirst thickness and the third thickness may be substantially equal to orless than the second thickness. The curved portion may be adjacent tothe flat portion in a first direction and extends in a second directioncrossing the first direction, and the heat discharge layer may include agraphite layer; a heat discharge adhesive layer between and to attachthe buffer and the graphite layer; a protective layer facing the heatdischarge adhesive layer, with the graphite layer between the heatdischarge adhesive layer and the protective layer; and a blocking layeroverlapping a portion of a side surface of the graphite layer in thefirst direction or the second direction.

The heat discharge layer may include a first side extending in the firstdirection, a second side substantially parallel to the first side, athird side extending in the second direction, and a fourth sidesubstantially parallel to the third side, and the blocking layer mayinclude a first blocking layer extending along the first side and asecond blocking layer extending along the second side. The first andsecond blocking layers may face each other in the second direction, andthe heat discharge adhesive layer, the graphite layer, and theprotective layer may be between the first and second blocking layers.

The blocking layer may include a third blocking layer extending alongthe third side; and a fourth blocking layer extending along the fourthside. The third and fourth blocking layers may face each other in thefirst direction, and the heat discharge adhesive layer, the graphitelayer, and the protective layer may be between the third and fourthblocking layers. The display apparatus may include an emission layerfacing the display panel, wherein the buffer and the curved buffer maybe between the emission layer and the display panel. The emission layermay be attached to the curved buffer.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments, a portable terminalincludes a display panel including a curved portion connected to a flatportion; a buffer overlapping the flat portion and having a firstthickness; and a curved buffer on a same layer as the buffer andoverlapping the curved portion, the curved buffer having a secondthickness greater than the first thickness. The portable terminal mayinclude a light blocking layer between the display panel and the bufferand between the display panel and the curved buffer; a heat dischargelayer overlapping the flat portion, not overlapping the curved portion,and facing the display panel, wherein the buffer is between the heatdischarge layer and the display panel; and an emission layer facing thedisplay panel, wherein the buffer and the curved buffer are between theemission layer and the display panel and are attached to the curvedbuffer and the heat discharge layer. The portable terminal may include awindow above the display panel; and a bracket facing the display panel,wherein the buffer and the curved buffer are between the bracket and thedisplay panel. The display panel may be an organic light emittingdisplay panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of skill in the art by describingin detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a display apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the display apparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view along section line I-I in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates the rear surface of an embodiment of a module;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view along section line II-II′ in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates the rear surface of another embodiment of a module;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a display apparatus;

FIG. 8 illustrates the rear surface of another embodiment of a module;and

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a display apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully conveyexemplary implementations to those skilled in the art. The embodimentsmay be combined to form additional embodiments.

It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred toas being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on theother layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present.Further, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being“under” another layer, it can be directly under, and one or moreintervening layers may also be present. In addition, it will also beunderstood that when a layer is referred to as being “between” twolayers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or moreintervening layers may also be present. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a display apparatus 1000, and FIG. 2illustrates an exploded perspective view of the display apparatus 1000.The display apparatus 1000 may be included, for example, in a portableterminal. The portable terminal may be, for example, a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a notebook computer, a car navigation unit, a camera,a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP),a game unit, or a wrist-type electronic device. The display apparatus1000 may also be applied to a large-sized electronic item such as butnot limited to a television set or an outdoor billboard.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display apparatus 1000 includes a plurality ofareas defined on a display surface. The display apparatus 1000 includesa display area AR through which images IM1 and IM2 are displayed and anon-display area BR adjacent to the display area AR. The display area ARmay have, for example, substantially a quadrangular shape or anothershape. The non-display area BR surrounds the display area AR.

The display apparatus 1000 may have a curved portion. For example, thedisplay apparatus 1000 may include a flat portion FA and curved portionsadjacent to the flat portion FA. The flat portion FA is substantiallyparallel to a surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a seconddirection DR2 and a normal line of the flat portion FA corresponds to athird direction DR3. The third direction DR3 may be, for example, areference direction for distinguishing a front surface from a rearsurface.

The curved portions include a first curved portion BA1 and a secondcurved portion BA2. The first and second curved portions BA1 and BA2 arespaced from each other in the first direction DR1, and the flat portionFA is between the first and second curved portions BA1 and BA2. Thefirst and second curved portions BA1 and BA2 extend in the seconddirection DR2. The embodiment of FIG. 1 has two curved portions BA1 andBA2. In another embodiment, one curved portion (e.g., only one of thefirst or second curved portions BA1 and BA2) or more than two curvedportions may be included.

The display area AR has one portion disposed in the flat portion FA andother portions in the curved portions BA1 and BA2. The flat portion FAdisplays a first image IM1 and the curved portions BA1 and BA2 displaysecond and third images IM2 and IM3, respectively. For illustrativepurposes only, FIG. 1 shows that the first image IM1 includes aninternet search window. The second and third images IM2 and IM3 mayinclude various icons, images, and/or other information. In anotherembodiment, only one curved portion may be exist.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display apparatus 1000 includes a windowmember 100, a display panel 200, a cover panel 300, a bracket 500, and arear case 600. In one embodiment, each of the window member 100, thedisplay panel 200, the cover panel 300, and the bracket 500 may have apartially curved shape. For example, each of the window member 100, thedisplay panel 200, the cover panel 300, and the bracket 500 may includea flat portion and at least one curved portion. The flat portion of eachof the window member 100, the display panel 200, the cover panel 300,and the bracket 500 may correspond to the flat portion FA of the displayapparatus 1000. The at least one curved portion of each of the windowmember 100, the display panel 200, the cover panel 300, and the bracket500 may correspond to the curved portions BA1 and BA2 of the displayapparatus 1000.

For the convenience of explanation, the flat portion FA and the curvedportions BA1 and BA2 may be used to indicate the flat portion and thecurved portion of each of the window member 100, the display panel 200,the cover panel 300, and the bracket 500. For instance, the flat portionof the display panel 200 may indicate a portion of the display panel200, which forms the flat portion FA.

The window member 100 includes a display area 100-AR for transmittingthe images IM1 and IM2 from the display panel 200 and a non-display area100-BR adjacent to the display area 100-AR. The window member 100 isabove the display panel 200. The window member 100 may include a coverwindow made of, for example, glass, sapphire, or plastic.

The display panel 200 includes a display area 200-AR and a non-displayarea 200-BR. The display area 200-AR displays the images IM1 and IM2 andcorresponds to the display area 100-AR of the window member 100. Thenon-display area 200-BR is adjacent to the display area 200-AR andcorresponds to the non-display area 100-BR of the window member 100.

The display panel 200 may be, for example, an organic light emittingdisplay panel. In this case, the display panel 200 includes a substrate210, an organic light emitting diode, and a sealing layer 230. Theorganic light emitting diode is on the substrate 210. The sealing layer230 is on the substrate 210 and seals the organic light emitting diodefrom the outside environment.

The organic light emitting diode includes a first electrode, an organiclight emitting layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode is ananode electrode or a positive electrode. The second electrode is acathode electrode or a negative electrode. The first electrode generatesholes and the second electrode generates electrons. The holes generatedby the first electrode and electrons generated by the second electrodeare injected into the organic light emitting layer. The holes andelectrons injected into the organic light emitting layer are recombinedin the organic light emitting layer to generate excitons. Light isemitted when the excitons transition to a ground state from an excitedstate.

The display panel 200 includes a display surface on which the images IM1and IM2 are displayed and a rear surface opposite to the displaysurface. In FIG. 2, the display surface corresponds to an upper surfaceof the sealing layer 230 and the rear surface corresponds to a lowersurface of the substrate 210.

The display apparatus 1000 may further include a flexible printedcircuit board FPCB and a printed circuit board PCB. The flexible printedcircuit board FPCB electrically connects the display panel 200 and theprinted circuit board PCB. One end of the flexible printed circuit boardFPCB is connected to one surface of the substrate 210, which is notcovered by the sealing layer 230. The other end of the flexible printedcircuit board FPCB is connected to the printed circuit board PCB. Theflexible printed circuit board FPCB has flexibility. Thus, the flexibleprinted circuit board FPCB is bent to a lower side of the cover panel300 while being coupled to the printed circuit board PCB.

The printed circuit board PCB applies signals to or receives signalsfrom the display panel 200 through the flexible printed circuit boardFPCB. The printed circuit board PCB is attached to the lower side of thecover panel 300 due to bending of the flexible printed circuit boardFPCB. The printed circuit board PCB may be connected to a connector CBto receive a signal from an external source.

The display apparatus 1000 may include a touch panel between the windowmember 100 and the display panel 200. The touch panel may be, forexample, inside the display panel 200. The touch panel may be aresistive type touch panel, an electrostatic capacitive type touchpanel, or an electromagnetic induction type touch panel and operates toobtain coordinate information corresponding to a touch position.

The cover panel 300 is attached to the rear surface of the display panel200, and is between the display panel 200 and the printed circuit boardPCB when coupled together.

The bracket 500 supports the display panel 200 and the cover panel 300.One surface of the bracket 500 is attached to the cover panel 300 andelectronic components are mounted on the other surface of the bracket500.

The rear case 600 is coupled to the window member 100 to accommodate thedisplay panel 200 and cover panel 300. The rear case 600 is made of, forexample, a plastic or metallic material. The rear case 600 may beomitted in another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1, andFIG. 4 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a rear surface of amodule formed by coupling a light blocking member 330, a bufferingmember 340, and a curved buffering member 350 in FIG. 3. For theconvenience of explanation, the window member 100, the bracket 500, andthe rear case 600 are omitted in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cover panel 300 includes the bufferingmember 340 and the curved buffering member 350. The buffering member 340faces the display surface of the display panel 200 such that the rearsurface of the display panel 200 is between the buffering member 340 andthe display surface of the display panel 200. The buffering member 340overlaps the flat portion FA. The buffering member 340 has an areasmaller than that of the flat portion FA when viewed in a plan view.Thus the buffering member 340 is covered by the flat portion FA. Thebuffering member 340 has a first thickness T1.

The buffering member 340 absorbs part of the impact on the flat portionof the display panel 200 and the flat portion of the window member 100.Thus, the buffering member 340 may reduce or prevent damage to thedisplay panel 200 and the window member 100. The buffering member 340may be formed of, for example, a polymer resin, e.g., polyurethane,polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., or may be formed froma rubber solution, a urethane-based material, or a sponge obtained, forexample, by foaming/molding an acrylic-based material.

The curved buffering member 350 is on the same layer as the bufferingmember 340. The curved buffering member 350 overlaps the curved portionsBA1 and BA2. The curved buffering member 350 has an area greater thanthat of the curved portions BA1 and BA2 when viewed in a plan view tocover the curved portions BA1 and BA2. The curved buffering member 350has a second thickness T2 greater than the first thickness T1. In oneembodiment, the second thickness T2 is one and half times greater thanthe first thickness T1. When T2>T1, and especially when T2=1.5 T1, thethickness of the display apparatus 1000 may be reduced and impactresistance of the flat portion FA and the curved portions BA1 and BA2may be improved.

The curved buffering member 350 may be formed of, for example, a polymerresin, e.g., polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene,etc., or may be formed from a rubber solution, a urethane-basedmaterial, or a sponge obtained, for example, by foaming/molding anacrylic-based material.

The curved buffering member 350 absorbs part of the impact on the curvedportion of the display panel 200 and the curved portion of the windowmember 100. Thus, the curved buffering member 350 may reduce or preventdamage to the display panel 200 and the window member 100 from externalimpact.

The curved portion of the window member 100 may be more vulnerable toimpact than the flat portion of the window member 100, since the curvedportion of the window member 100 may receive greater stress than appliedto the flat portion of the window member 100.

Similarly, the curved portion of the display panel 200 may be morevulnerable to impact than the flat portion of the display panel 200,since the curved portion of the display panel 200 may receive greaterstress than applied to the flat portion of the display panel 200. Inaddition, pixels in the curved portion of the display panel 200 mayreceive greater stress than applied to pixels in the flat portion of thedisplay panel 200. As a result, the pixels in the curved portion of thedisplay panel 200 may not properly display images, e.g., imagesdisplayed using the pixels in the curved portion of the display panel200 may be perceived as including a white spot or a black spot.

In the display apparatus 1000, the curved buffering member 350 has athickness greater than the buffering member 340. Thus, the impactresistance of the curved portions BA1 and BA2 may be improved. Inaddition, images displayed using pixels in the curved portions BA1 andBA2 may be prevented from being perceived as including a white or blackspot. Further, differences in impact resistance between the flat portionFA and the curved portions BA1 and BA2 may be reduced.

The curved buffering member 350 includes a first curved buffering member351 and a second curved buffering member 353. The first and secondcurved buffering members 351 and 353 face each other, with the bufferingmember 340 between the first and second curved buffering members 351 and353. Each of the first and second curved buffering members 351 and 353may have, for example, substantially a rectangular shape extending inthe second direction DR2.

The first curved buffering member 351 covers the first curved portionBA1 of the display panel 200. The first curved buffering member 351covers a first portion P1 of the flat portion FA, which is connected tothe first curved portion BA1. The second curved buffering member 353covers the second curved portion BA2 of the display panel 200. Thesecond curved buffering member 353 covers a second portion P2 of theflat portion FA, which is connected to the second curved portion BA2.

The cover panel 300 may include a light blocking member 330 between thedisplay panel 200 and the buffering member 340 and between the displaypanel 200 and the curved buffering member 350. The light blocking member330 is attached to the rear surface of the display panel 200 to blockthe light incident on the display panel 200. The light blocking member330 absorbs or reflects the incident light.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of FIG. 1,and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a rear surface of amodule formed by coupling the light blocking member 330, the bufferingmember 340, the curved buffering member 350, and a heat discharge member310 in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the cover panel 300 includes the heatdischarge member 310 facing the display panel 200, with the bufferingmember 340 between the heat discharge member 310 and the display panel200. The heat discharge member 310 is attached to the rear surface ofthe buffering member 340 to effectively discharge heat generated fromthe display panel 200.

The heat discharge member 310 overlaps the flat portion FA and does notoverlap the curved portions BA1 and BA2. The heat discharge member 310is covered by the buffering member 340 when viewed in a plan view. Theheat discharge member 310 has a third thickness T3. In one embodiment,the sum of the first thickness T1 and the third thickness T3 may beequal to or less than the second thickness T2. In FIG. 3, the sum of thefirst thickness T1 and the third thickness T3 is equal to the secondthickness T2. Accordingly, the display apparatus 1000 may have superiorheat discharge properties without realizing increased thickness. Also,the difference in impact resistance between the flat portion FA andcurved portions BA1 and BA2 may be reduced.

The heat discharge member 310 includes a heat discharge adhesive layer311, a graphite layer 313, a protective layer 315, and a blocking layer317. The heat discharge adhesive layer 311 is between and attached thebuffering member 340 and the graphite layer 313. The heat dischargeadhesive layer 311 may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or anoptical clear resin (OCR).

The graphite layer 313 includes graphite molecules which have a platestructure in which carbon atoms are connected to each other in ahorizontal direction. Therefore, heat conductivity in the horizontaldirection of the graphite layer 313 is higher than heat conductivity ina vertical direction of the graphite layer 313. Thus, the graphite layer313 may demonstrate superior heat discharge properties.

The protective layer 315 faces the heat discharge adhesive layer 311,with the graphite layer 313 between the protective layer 315 and theheat discharge adhesive layer 311. The protective layer 315 prevents thegraphite molecules of the graphite layer 313 from blowing. Theprotective layer 315 may include, for example, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

The blocking layer 317 is on the buffering member 340, which covers aportion of side surface of the graphite layer 313 along a directionsubstantially parallel to an upper or rear surface of the graphite layer313. In FIG. 6, the blocking layer 317 covers the side surface of thegraphite layer 313 in the second direction DR2 and exposes the sidesurface of the graphite layer 313 in the first direction DR1. Theblocking layer 317 may include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate(PET).

The heat discharge member 310 may have, for example, a quadrangularshape. The heat discharge member 310 includes first, second, third, andfourth sides SD1, SD2, SD3, and SD4. The first and second sides SD1 andSD2 are substantially parallel to and face each other, and extend in thefirst direction DR1. The third and fourth sides SD3 and SD4 aresubstantially parallel to and face each other, and extend in the seconddirection DR2.

The blocking layer 317 includes a first blocking layer 317A and a secondblocking layer 317B. The first blocking layer 317A extends along thefirst side SD1 and the second blocking layer 317B extends along thesecond side SD2. The first and second blocking layers 317A and 317B faceeach other in the second direction DR2. The heat discharge adhesivelayer 311, the graphite layer 313, and the protective layer 315 arebetween the first and second blocking layers 317A and 317B.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cover panel 300 may includes anemission member 320 facing the display panel 200, with the bufferingmember 340 and the curved buffering member 350 between the emissionmember 320 and display panel 200. The emission member 320 is attached tothe rear surface of the heat discharge member 310 and the curvedbuffering member 350. The emission member 320 blocks electro-magneticinterference generated from the printed circuit board PCB (refer, e.g.,to FIG. 2). In addition, the emission member 320 may discharge heatgenerated from the display panel 200 together with the heat dischargemember 310.

The emission member 320 includes one or more materials having superiorheat conductivity and which block the electro-magnetic interference.Copper, nickel, and ferrite are examples of these materials. Theemission member 320 may be attached to the heat discharge member 310 andthe bracket 500 (refer, e.g., to FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a displayapparatus 1001 taken along a line I-I′ in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 illustratesan embodiment of a rear surface of a module formed by coupling a lightblocking member 330, a buffering member 340, a curved buffering member350, and a heat discharge member 310-1 in FIG. 7.

The display apparatus 1001 in FIGS. 7 and 8 have the same structure andfunction as those of the display apparatus 1000 in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6,except for the heat discharge member 310-1. The heat discharge member310-1 includes a heat discharge adhesive layer 311, a graphite layer313, a protective layer 315, and a blocking layer 317-1. The heatdischarge adhesive layer 311, the graphite layer 313, and the protectivelayer 315 have the same structure and function as in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.

The blocking layer 317-1 is on the buffering member 340 and covers theside surface of the graphite layer 313 along a direction substantiallyparallel to an upper or rear surface of the graphite layer 313. In FIGS.7 and 8, the blocking layer 317-1 covers the side surface of thegraphite layer 313 in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. Theblocking layer 317-1 may include, for example, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

The blocking layer 317-1 includes first, second, third, and fourthblocking layers 317A, 317B, 317C, and 317D. The first blocking layer317A extends along the first side SD1 and the second blocking layer 317Bextends along the second side SD2. The first and second blocking layers317A and 317B face each other in the second direction DR2, with the heatdischarge adhesive layer 311, the graphite layer 313, and the protectivelayer 315 between the first and second blocking layers 317A and 317B.

The third blocking layer 317C extends along the third side SD3 and thefourth blocking layer 317D extends along the fourth side SD4. The thirdand fourth blocking layers 317C and 317D face each other in the firstdirection DR2, with the heat discharge adhesive layer 311, the graphitelayer 313, and the protective layer 315 between the third and fourthblocking layers 317C and 317D.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a displayapparatus 1002 taken along line I-I′ in FIG. 1. The display apparatus1002 has the same structure and function as the display apparatus 1000in FIG. 3, except that the display apparatus 1002 does not include theheat discharge member 310 and the emission member 320.

Referring to FIG. 9, since the display apparatus 1002 does not includethe heat discharge member 310 and the emission member 320, the flatportion FA is slimmer and impact resistance of the curved portions BA1and BA2 is improved.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art as of thefiling of the present application, features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with a particular embodiment may beused singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwiseindicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of skill in theart that various changes in form and details may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus, comprising: a display panelincluding a curved portion adjacent to a flat portion; a bufferoverlapping the flat portion and having a first thickness; a curvedbuffer on a same layer as the buffer, overlapping the curved portion,and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and acurved support under the buffer, curved buffer, and display panel, thecurved support having a flat support portion overlapping the flatportion and a curved support portion overlapping the curved portion,wherein the buffer and the curved buffer are disposed between the curvedsupport and the display panel, and wherein the curved support portionincludes: a first surface facing the curved buffer, and a second surfaceopposite to the first surface, both the first and second surfaces beingcurved in the same direction as the curved portion.
 2. The displayapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the curved portion includes afirst curved portion facing a second curved portion, the flat portion isbetween the first and second curved portions, and at least one space isbetween the flat portion and one of the first curved portion and thesecond curved portion.
 3. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 2,wherein: the first curved portion is substantially parallel to thesecond curved portion, and the curved buffer includes a first curvedbuffer overlapping the first curved portion and a second curved bufferoverlapping the second curved portion.
 4. The display apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein: the first curved buffer overlaps the firstcurved portion and a first portion of the flat portion connected to thefirst curved portion, and the second curved buffer overlaps the secondcurved portion and a second portion of the flat portion connected to thesecond curved portion.
 5. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein the second thickness is substantially one and half times greaterthan the first thickness.
 6. The display apparatus as claimed in claim1, further comprising: a light blocking layer between the display paneland the buffer and between the display panel and the curved buffer,outer edges of the light blocking layer, of the curved buffer, and ofthe curved portion of the display panel being level with each other. 7.The display apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a heatdischarge layer facing the display panel, wherein the buffer is betweenthe heat discharge layer and the display panel.
 8. The display apparatusas claimed in claim 7, wherein: the heat discharge layer has a thirdthickness, and a sum of the first thickness and the third thickness issubstantially equal to or less than the second thickness.
 9. The displayapparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the heat discharge layeroverlaps the flat portion and does not overlap the curved portion. 10.The display apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the curved portionis adjacent to the flat portion in a first direction and extends in asecond direction crossing the first direction, and the heat dischargelayer includes: a graphite layer; a heat discharge adhesive layerbetween and to attach the buffer and the graphite layer; a protectivelayer facing the heat discharge adhesive layer, with the graphite layerbetween the heat discharge adhesive layer and the protective layer; anda blocking layer overlapping a portion of a side surface of the graphitelayer in the first direction or the second direction.
 11. The displayapparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the heat discharge layerincludes a first side extending in the first direction, a second sidesubstantially parallel to the first side, a third side extending in thesecond direction, and a fourth side substantially parallel to the thirdside, and the blocking layer includes a first blocking layer extendingalong the first side and a second blocking layer extending along thesecond side.
 12. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 11, whereinthe first and second blocking layers face each other in the seconddirection, and wherein the heat discharge adhesive layer, the graphitelayer, and the protective layer are between the first and secondblocking layers.
 13. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 11,wherein the blocking layer includes: a third blocking layer extendingalong the third side; and a fourth blocking layer extending along thefourth side.
 14. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein:the third and fourth blocking layers face each other in the firstdirection, and the heat discharge adhesive layer, the graphite layer,and the protective layer are between the third and fourth blockinglayers.
 15. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: an emission layer facing the display panel, wherein thebuffer and the curved buffer are between the emission layer and thedisplay panel.
 16. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 15, whereinthe emission layer is attached to the curved buffer.
 17. A displayapparatus, comprising: a display panel including a curved portionadjacent to a flat portion; a buffer overlapping the flat portion andhaving a first thickness; and a curved buffer on a same layer as thebuffer and overlapping the curved portion, wherein the curved bufferhaving a second thickness greater than the first thickness, wherein thebuffer is separated from the curved buffer by at least one space in anarea overlapping the flat portion of the display panel.
 18. The displayapparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the curved portion includes afirst curved portion facing a second curved portion, the flat portion isbetween the first and second curved portions, and the at least one spaceis between the flat portion and one of the first curved portion and thesecond curved portion.
 19. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 18,wherein: the first curved portion is substantially parallel to thesecond curved portion, and the curved buffer includes a first curvedbuffer overlapping the first curved portion and a second curved bufferoverlapping the second curved portion.
 20. The display apparatus asclaimed in claim 19, wherein: the first curved buffer overlaps the firstcurved portion and a first portion of the flat portion connected to thefirst curved portion, and the second curved buffer overlaps the secondcurved portion and a second portion of the flat portion connected to thesecond curved portion.